Kenya is still exporting tea to Sudan, despite the country’s official ban on Kenyan products, President William Ruto has confirmed. Speaking during a joint media interview on Monday evening, Ruto reassured Kenyan stakeholders that trade relations remained intact and that the country continued to profit from tea exports to Sudan. He emphasized that the demand for Kenyan tea remained robust, regardless of the ban.
According to President Ruto, Sudan's continued import of Kenyan tea highlights the East African nation's dependence on the product. “By the way, we are selling tea to Sudan, even after they said they are not buying our tea. The market itself has forced them. We sell tea today to Sudan, so there is no issue about selling tea, and that is why we are making money in the tea sector,” Ruto stated.
The President dismissed concerns that Kenya's agricultural sector, particularly tea, was suffering from financial challenges due to the Sudanese import ban.
On March 14, 2025, the Sudanese government officially banned Kenyan imports. The Ministry of Trade and Supply issued a directive on March 11, instructing all relevant parties to enforce the decision. “The import of all products coming from the State of Kenya through all ports, crossings, airports and outlets is suspended, effective from this date until further notice,” said Acting Minister Omar Ahmed Mohamed Ali. “All concerned parties must implement the decision.”
The ban followed Sudan’s allegations that Kenya was supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their allies. The Sudanese Sovereign Council accused Nairobi of hosting and sponsoring RSF activities. The decision was based on Cabinet Resolution No. (129) of 2024, which aimed to protect Sudan’s national security and maintain its sovereignty.